This cactus species has several narrow stems that rise vertically, growing from a single short trunk just above the ground level.

Each stem has twelve to nineteen 10 mm (3⁄8 in) high ribs that bear dark brown to black spines that turn gray as it matures.

[5] The older plants produce 75 mm (3 in) funnel-shaped white flowers annually which are open at night and close by the morning and have a purple or pink tint to them.

[7][8] There are two recognized subspecies:[9] This species is found mostly in Mexico, mainly in Sonora and southern Baja California and Northern Sinaloa.

[10] It is also known to the United States, but is much rarer, with the notable exception of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.